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April 2025
🧯Firefighters Run Toward Danger—But Brian and His Family Never Saw This Coming
Brian Kyono saved lives as a firefighter. Now, the San Francisco Fire Department is paying tribute to Brian and his final mission to save more lives through his story.
Watch Brian's powerful story, made by the San Francisco Fire Department.
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Protecting Our Protectors: Powerful Week at FDIC InternationalÂ
FDIC (Fire Department Instructors Conference) is North America's Leading Fire and Rescue conference.
This annual gathering of the fire service community provided an invaluable opportunity for us to connect directly with firefighters, fire chiefs, paramedics, EMTs, and many other frontline heroes who dedicate their lives to saving others.
Our mission at DetecTogether is to help protect those who protect us—by ensuring that early cancer detection becomes an essential part of every first responder's health and safety protocol. At FDIC, we had powerful conversations with countless individuals who expressed strong enthusiasm about bringing our life-saving education back to their firehouses.
A highlight of the conference was receiving a very generous $10,000 donation from Red Line Gear Cleaning, which will directly support our efforts to expand cancer detection training in the fire service across the U.S. We are deeply grateful for their support and partnership.
Working in collaboration with like-minded allies—Red Line Gear Cleaning, Firefighter Cancer Support Network, and the leadership behind FDIC—we continue to move forward in our mission to equip first responders with the tools they need to "get 30 in and 30 out."
Together, we are building a healthier, more informed fire service—one conversation, one department, and one life at a time.
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The Results Are In!DetecTogether's 3 Steps Detect® Participant Survey reveals record-breaking impact — and the momentum keeps growing!
Every day, more people are using 3 Steps Detect to catch serious health issues, including cancer, earlier — and it’s changing lives.
3 Steps Detect® is making a lasting difference:
- It sticks — even years after the training, people remember it and put it into practice.
- It builds confidence — participants feel better equipped to partner with their doctors and get the answers they need.
- It sparks action — people are not just recognizing when something’s wrong, they’re taking proactive steps.
- It saves lives — earlier detection means better outcomes and more time for what matters most.
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Colonoscopy vs. Stool Test: What's the Difference?
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon and rectum. During the procedure, polyps can be detected and removed—potentially preventing cancer.
Recommended starting at age 45, and typically repeated every 10 years, unless you are at higher risk, have symptoms, or polyps are found.
âś…Benefits
- Considered the gold standard for detecting colon cancer
- Can prevent cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps
- Screens the entire colon
âš Limitations
- Requires bowel prep and sedation
- May need time off from work and need transportation support
- Slight risk of bleeding or perforation
Stool-Based Test
These tests check for hidden (occult) blood or abnormal DNA, which may indicate polyps or cancer. They are recommended for average-risk individuals starting at age 45.
Common tests include FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test), which is recommended annually, and a stool DNA test, like Cologuard, which is done every 3 years if normal results.
âś…Benefits
- Non-invasive and can be done at home
- No bowl prep or dietary restrictions
- A stool sample may detect the signs of polyps, DNA mutations, or cancer.
âš Limitations
- May miss some polyps and cancers
- Must be done yearly with FIT or every 3 years with DNA stool tests if normal results
- A positive result requires a follow-up colonoscopy
- DNA-based tests have more false positives than FIT
Bottom Line:Â Colonoscopy offers the most comprehensive screening and can prevent cancer. Stool-based tests are convenient and non-invasive. Talk to your healthcare provider about which option is right for you.
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No Better Month to Take Action than April—Early Cancer Detection Month!Â
Who is the first to recognize cancer signs or a serious illness?
- 70-75%Â by the patient
- 15-20%Â by a doctor
- 5-14%Â by routine screening
Learn 3 Steps Detect®
Know Your Great Health: Pay close attention to your body's baseline. Notice what's normal for you—energy levels, digestion, weight, skin, pain, bathroom habits, lumps, bumps...so when things get not-so-great, you will know!
Use the Two-Week Rule:Â If subtle and persistent health changes don't go away after 2 weeks, it's time to act. And tell a friend who will bug you and make sure you get checked out!
Tip: Record your health changes—track what’s happening, when it started, how often, and whether it’s worsening. These clues will help your doctor help you.Â
Share with Your Doctor: You may not think your health changes are important, but share them and let your doctor decide, even if it feels a little embarrassing. Trust us: doctors don’t blush, and what you share could make all the difference!
Tip:Â Once you are given a plan of action, ask when you should expect to feel better and what else your health changes could be?
3 Steps Detect Saves Lives
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Beyond the Fire: Woburn (MA) Trains for Health, Longevity, and Early Detection
Firefighters respond in seconds—because every moment counts. But what about when the emergency is your own health?
The Woburn Fire Department took action with DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect training—learning how to recognize early signs of cancer and how to collaborate effectively with a doctor to get the best care.Â
Your Response Time Matters—on duty and off. Get the training firefighters across the country are talking about.
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Tri-State Seacoast Chiefs Share ChallengesÂ
The Seacoast Chiefs introduced DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect® program, outlining how departments can adopt and benefit from our First Responder Program. The Seacoast Chiefs comprises over 50 New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine member departments. Â
The chiefs showed strong engagement, actively asking great questions and discussing the importance of equipping firefighters with early detection tools.
Notably, they shared significant concerns regarding their challenges in accessing healthcare, highlighting potential barriers to early detection and care due to the special considerations needed for firefighters. DetecTogether's 3 Steps Detect First Responder Training provides solutions to these challenges.Â
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If This Little Guy Can Check His Nuts, So Can You
Not only is April Early Cancer Detection Month, but it's also Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Here’s your friendly reminder to notice subtle and persistent health changes, including through self-exams, because early detection saves lives.Â
Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early, so stay ahead of the game!Â
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Be a Strong Self-Advocate
If you're not getting answers or feel dismissed, ask follow-up questions such as, "What should I do if symptoms get worse?" Get second opinions, and be sure you're heard and understood. Trust your instincts—you know your body best!
Stay Up to Date on Screenings
Follow screening schedules for cancers like breast, colorectal, cervical, lung, and prostate—based on age, gender, and risk factors. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.Â
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Meet Erika
"As a Boston nurse, I see too many young patients diagnosed with stage IV cancer—when it's often too late. This must change."
Erika is a DetecTogether Charity Athlete running the Boston Marathon to empower and prepare more people, including firefighters, with the proven lifesaving 3 Steps Detect.
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Join DetecTogether's Gala, Auction & Golf Tournament
The Gala features legendary comedian Jay Leno standing up for DetecTogether's life-saving mission. AND Award-winning news anchor, Vanessa Welch, as our master of ceremonies.Â
This Sweet 16 milestone event promises to inspire and delight, as we shift early detection into high gear. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of gourmet cuisine, live music, dancing, and the chance to bid on exclusive experiences—all in support of DetecTogether's urgent mission to save lives through early cancer detection.
DetecTogether empowers firefighters with the tools to take charge of their healthcare. Through our simple, proven method—3 Steps Detect—we help people learn how to recognize important health changes, when to act, and how to partner effectively with their doctors to get the answers they need.
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John Johnson
Colon Cancer, Diagnosed at 35
"Just weeks before my second child was born, thanks to early detection, I got the best possible news: I was cancer-free."
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Your cancer diagnosis experience can help others detect cancer early. Consider sharing it to raise awareness and save lives.Â
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Our donors' generosity makes our educational programs possible. Please consider making a gift today.
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